one upon _Theocritus_ says, _that the Idea of his Bucolicks is in
every part pure, and in all {38} that belongs to simplicity very
happy_: Such is this of _Virgil_, unwholsome to us Singers is the
shade

Of Juniper, 'tis an unwholsome shade:

Than which in my opinion nothing can be more simply; nothing more
rustically said; and this is the reason I suppose why _Macrobius_ says
that this kind of Poetry is creeping and upon mean subjects; and why
too _Virgils Tityrus_ lying under his shady Beech displeaseth some;
Excellent Criticks indeed, whom I wish a little more sense, that they
might not really be, what they would not seem to be, _Ridiculous_:
_Theocritus_ excells _Virgil_ in this, of whom _Modicius_ says,
_Theocritus deserves the greatest commendation for his happy
imitation of the simplicity of his Shepherds_, Virgil _hath mixt
Allegories, and some other things which contain too much learning, and
deepness of Thought for Persons of so mean a Quality_: Yet here I must
obviate their mistake who fancy that this sort of _Poetry_, because in
it self low and simple, is the proper work of _mean_ Wits, and not the
most _sublime_ and _excellent_ perfections: For as I think there be
can nothing more elegant than easy naked simplicity, so likewise
nothing can require more strength of Wit, and greater pains; and he
must be of a great and clear judgment, who attempts _Pastoral_, and
comes of with Honor. For there is no part of _Poetry_ that requires
more spirit, for if any part is not close and well compacted the whole
Fabrick will be ruin'd, and the {39} matter, in it self humble, must
creep; unless it is held up by the strength and vigor of the
_Expression_.